WOMEN'S FORUM.

Auckland Star, Volume LXIV, Issue 160, 10 July 1933, Page 11

WOMEN'S FORUM.

OPAL NAILS NOW.

The novelty of ruby and rose nails having become a thing of the past, ultrasmart mademoiselles are now displaying something much more startling—fingertips of gold and silver and even opal. The enamels which give these bizarre effects are to be procured at most of our leading emporiums, so it will be nothing to see dozens of finger-tips gleaming like metal and jewels at many of our approaching season's dances.

THE QUEEN'S GOWN. Lovely as tho other gowns worn by the Queen at previous courts have been, all the ladies attending , the fourth Court of the season were unanimous in acclaiming the Queen's rose-painted net and gold dress as the most beautiful of the year. Hand-painted English roses on net were combiufcd with diamante embroidered lace over an underdrcss of rose-beige chiffon. A favourite Irish lace train of the Queen from her collection was mounted on golden tissue and Her Majesty wore beautiful pearls and diamonds with tho Order of the Garter. In the absence of the King, the Queen was escorted by the Prince of Wales.'

A LOOSE COAT. Tho loose, three-quarter length coat with a little soft collar that falls aa it will is in high favour. The shoulders fit, but sleevee arc generally short, many of them puffed or draped, writes a London correspondent. For summer frock*, capee and boleros, with or without sleeves, add a smart touch and make an cneeruble. For the beach next summer linene will be popular, especially the bright navy blue linen. Skirts are buttoned down one eide, and bodice necke cut square and finished with a dainty white organdie scarf edged with the colour of the dress.

WOMAN ORGANISER. Miss Marjorie Maxsc is an outstanding figure, in the Conservative ranks of England. She is the chief organising , officer of-tho Conservative and Unionist Office. The description most frequently applied to Miee Maxse is that of "t>orn organiser," and it was because of her outstanding ability in this direction that a few months after entering the Conservative Central Organisation in 1922, she was appointed organiser to tie women's section. Prior to that she had been trained in an excellent field, having accompanied her father, who was in the Consular Service, to varioue. countries, and subsequently held positions in the Foreign Office and the Ministry of Labour. It is largely due to her powers of direction that the women's side of the organisation has reached its present proportions and is the largest political organisation of its kind in the country. It is an indisputable fact that the Conservative party has always been well ahead of other parties in its practical recognition of the political capacity of women.

GOOD CITIZENSHIP.

A remarkable speech was made in Dunedin by Mre. K. S. Black, the late Mayoress, when she was the guest of honour in the Town Hall, and was presented with a handsome casket in recognition of her services to the city. The gathering, which filled the hall to overflowing, waa representative of all sections of the community, and the enthusiastic reception accorded Mrs. Black when eho rose to speak was a spontaneous tribute to her wholehearted service in the cause of charity. Handing Mrs". Black the casket, Lady Ferguson said that she felt it a great honour to be chosen to represent the citizens in performing thie duty. "I wish," said Lady Ferguson, "to tell Mrs. Black how grateful we all are to her for the manner in which she has upheld the dignity of her position. We are full of gratitude to her for her devoted service on behalf of the unemployed, the sick, and the needy, for her work in this respect hae been beyond all praise. Courage is a quality to be admired in both men and women, and I have always admired Mrs. Black's courage." In replying, Mrs. Black eaid:— "Four years ago I was a novice so far as public life was concerned, and I did not take too kindly to it at first. My little son was just two years old and my baby girl three months, bo for the firet few months I did very little for the city, However, it is impossible to live in the same house as my husband without wanting to do something for Dunedin. His loyalty to and love for this city are very deep. "Our four years of office have been most trying in many ways. In common with a great many others, Mr. Black lost heavily in the slump, but at the commencement of his office, despite the difficult times, he was determined that what he received from the city would go back to the city, which resolution , he has managed to carry out. You know I often felt that I would like to tell the public what a marvellous example Mr. Black has been to the citizens, so I am taking the opportunity to-night. Most men at the present time think their business worries quite sufficient. There are very few who will smile even through these, and I have yet to meet another man who could have carried the burden of the city at the same time with so much cheerfulness and optimism as did my husband. It was his great faith that carried him through.

"What so many of ub need is just a little more faith. Don't grumble when things go wrong. If you get into the habit of thinking that whatever happens is for your good you will find that every cloud has a silver lining. What has happened with us can very well happen with anyone, provided one has sufficient faith. An experience we had •which, was rather remarkable happened a few months ago. I was very concerned about the state of a number of our old age pensioners. I received some help for them from some friends, but not nearly sufficient. The condition of these old people worried me so much that Mr. Black sold his last shares to help them and the very next morning, after having given his all, he received unexpected news from England, which far more than made up for his sacrifices. How true is the fact that we get back from life just what we put into it. There is not much virtue in giving what we can easily spare."